Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Do Little Ceiling Tiles Make A Room Look Taller

Small tiles don't make a room seem taller.


Some homes have individual tiles instead of textured drywall for a ceiling design. If you decide to install ceiling tile in your home, you must choose a tile size that accommodates your space and personal style. Though you could purchase special order decorative ceiling tiles, most come in standard 2-feet by 2-feet squares or 2-feet by 4-feet rectangles. In general, small tiles don't make a room look taller.


Color is More Important than Size


If the goal for your ceiling is to make it seem taller, the color of the tile is more important than its size. Unless you have vaulted ceilings in your living space, light-colored ceiling tiles are the best option. Opt for medium-size ceiling tiles in a light color like white, off-white, beige or eggshell if you want your ceiling to appear taller.


Less Pattern Equals Taller Ceiling


In most room designs, busy patterns on the ceiling make it appear shorter. If you install small tiles on the ceiling, they tend to look more patterned than if you use fewer larger tiles. Small tiles increase the number of lines between them giving the ceiling a checkerboard pattern. Select larger ceiling tiles with minimal pattern to increase the visual height of the room. Large standard ceiling tiles, however, create a more industrial look than small tiles. Avoid using large commercial-grade ceiling tiles in spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and living rooms. These tiles work best in basements, sheds and garages.


White is the Best Choice


White-painted ceilings are the best choice for making a ceiling appear taller. Whether you choose small tiles, large tiles or textured drywall, flat white ceilings make a ceiling appear as if it's farther from the ground. Avoid painting tiles or drywall with a semi-gloss or a glossy ceiling paint that makes the room seem shiny. Slightly textured tiles reduce the amount of reflection in the room and help diffuse unsightly shadowing.


How Small is Too Small


If you opt for small tiles in your room design, select tiles that are at least 1-foot by 1-foot. Avoid small 4-inch by 4-inch or 1-inch by 1-inch tiles that are only suitable for wall, bathroom, floor and backsplash designs. Small tiles make the ceiling look like a mosaic and decrease the visual height of the room. In most room designs, you don't want your ceiling to be the focal point of the room.

Tags: ceiling tiles, ceiling appear, your ceiling, appear taller, ceiling appear taller